We have not done a chili cook off at our school, but we do one in our neighborhood every Halloween. Our neighborhood association provides hot dogs, buns, condiments, chips and drinks (and paper products). People enter their pots of chili and their "scary desserts". After the judging, then everyone present eats it all up.
We don't pre-register who is going to enter their chili - they just bring it with them and we've always had enough. When people bring their chili, they sign up next to a number on a piece of paper. A sticker with that number is placed on the pot. The judges don't know who submitted what, but they determine the winner and the "number" is announced. Our winners get gift cards as prizes. (the same for the desserts).
Now...I've been to Chili Cook Offs where people take this very seriously. It's a huge party where they bring their pick up trucks, their huge bbq cookers and big pots (like crawfish boil pots) and make the chili right there. It cooks all day and judges come around at the end. They give samples out to people who come by (it's usually associated with a town festival or something). I believe these people pay an entrance fee to get a chance at their chili winning - and the proceeds go to a specific cause.
I don't know if any of this answers your questions. These are just 2 ways I've seen Chili Cook-offs.
We are having a CHILI DINNER, I dont know if that is close to what you are doing or not. We are asking local business to donate things like ingredience, plates, cups, etc. There will be something in the newspaper and radio here as well as having a poster contest with the kids and then the posters will be put up in the local business windows as advertisements.
Hi, I was wondering if anyone had held a chili cook-off before? If anyone had any ideas to share or helpful information to pass along, I would be very grateful.
Thank You,
Summer
